Ex-NY Knicks Star Dead at 65 Possible OD

8/24/2013 12:40 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Breaking News

Dean "The Dream" Meminger -- who helped the NY Knicks clinch the 1973 NBA title -- was found dead in his hotel room Friday ... wearing his championship ring.

Meminger was found unconscious inside his NYC hotel room by staff members after failing to check out. He was pronounced dead on the scene. There were no signs of trauma. A witness reportedly saw "white stuff" oozing out of his nose.

Meminger had long suffered from drug addiction, including cocaine, even in his pro-basketball days. He almost died in a rooming house fire where he was allegedly smoking crack back in 2009.

The 65-year-old was a first round draft pick back in 1971.

His family released a statement following the news, "We want to thank everyone for their prayers and condolences during this difficult time for our family."